Database Users

[WARNING] Flashing the chineese update.zip will block all further updates FIXED!

Edit: Solution found look below!!!

As I posted in a different thread:
I managed to do it, but it was hackish
How I did it:
Used a terminal directly on the tablet, no adb.
I installed the acer chinese update. I 'dd'ed my old system and flexrom and rebooted. After that I checked for updates, and as luck had it, there was one. I tried it, but it failed half way through the procedure.
I rebooted again, then I 'dd'ed a boot.img on mmcblk0p2 from a 1.016 that matched my original system.img and flexrom.img. WITHOUT REBOOTING (I tried that before, it gives a bad kernel checksum and stops, but I assumed on update it would just patch if the file corresponds and re-sign), I then proceeded to do the update. It rebooted, entered recovery, and lo and behold, IT WORKED! So I'm 100% back to stock.
I would imagine that the same procedure would work when manually updating through recovery (using an extracted update.zip).
I used the kernel from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14033507&postcount=27
EDIT: The kernel is stock for ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
Take a look at the thread linked below, get the 1.016.05_COM_GEN1 files (system, flexrom, and boot). If you are not offered an online update (System>About>Check for updates), you need the official update.zip from Acer. Extract the update.zip from the official Acer update THAT MATCHES YOUR FLEX VERSION using the XOR 12 method (see here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065360&page=20 - note in that post the link is for 03_COM_GEN1, NOT 05_COM_GEN1. For 04_COM_GEN1 and 05_COM_GEN1 see here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14052165&postcount=184. For 03 and 04 you will need to find system.img, flexrom.img and boot.img, for 05 they are linked in the thread below).
EDIT: The thread with the images for ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1086785
EDIT: You might pull this off for other flex versions as well, but you would need all the files (system.img, flexrom.img, boot.img AND update.zip) from those versions.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ONLY WORKS IF YOU HAVE THE OFFICIAL UPDATE.ZIP FOR YOUR SPECIFIC FLEX VERSION

Wow, I was about to try that!!!
I'll do that now and see how it goes.
Thanks mate!
EDIT: Worked!

I would expect that the reason an update fails on the Chinese one is that it tries to patch the kernel (which is different from the one expected). The update is a bunch of diffs and patches, and almost no full files, so it cannot be applied over anything but the right files.

Yes that is true. The old kermel checksum check was failing.

huxflux2003 said:
EDIT: Worked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it Take that, you sneaky Acer bastards!

adancau said:
As I posted in a different thread:
I managed to do it though, but it was hackish
How I did it:
Used a terminal directly on the tablet, no adb.
I installed the acer chinese update. I 'dd'ed my old system and flexrom and rebooted. After that I checked for updates, and as luck had it, there was one. I tried it, but it failed half way through the procedure.
I rebooted again, then I 'dd'ed a boot.img on mmcblk0p2 from a 1.016 that matched my original system.img and flexrom.img. WITHOUT REBOOTING (I tried that before, it gives a bad kernel checksum and stops, but I assumed on update it would just patch if the file corresponds and re-sign), I then proceeded to do the update. It rebooted, entered recovery, and lo and behold, IT WORKED! So I'm 100% back to stock.
I would imagine that the same procedure would work when manually updating through recovery (using an extracted update.zip).
I used the kernel from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14033507&postcount=27
Take a look at the thread, get the 1.016 files, system, flexrom, and boot, and try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhhh a true milestone, well done.........

Nice work! Two questions:
Does the update work in the US?
I assume gingerbreak still works after the OTA update?
Thx

gingerbreak works

_motley said:
Does the update work in the US?
I assume gingerbreak still works after the OTA update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A warning first: You DO NOT need to do this if you haven't installed the chinese update.zip (update.acer.zip) before, as that is the only one that changes kernels. Also, if you have anything other than ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1, it's debatable if you want to do this (if you do read below), it might be better to wait for an official update.
The kernel above is stock for ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
So it works if you have ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 images, or are ok with changing your flex to that (in which case you would need to flash a system.img and a flexrom.img for ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1, reboot, and then flash the kernel from the post above before heading off to recovery and updating - HOWEVER as far as I know no one has tried this, though IN THEORY it should work).
Gingerbreak still works, you can get root back after updating.

Just so I'm clear...
I'm at version 1.139.05 but I got here via the Chinese update.zip.
What do I need to do to get back to stock? Do I need to go back to my old system image and flexrom plus a new kernel?
Could someone post clearer instructions?
Thanks

adancau said:
A warning first: You DO NOT need to do this if you haven't installed the chinese update.zip (update.acer.zip) before, as that is the only one that changes kernels. Also, if you have anything other than ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1, it's debatable if you want to do this (if you do read below), it might be better to wait for an official update.
The kernel above is stock for ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
So it works if you have ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 images, or are ok with changing your flex to that (in which case you would need to flash a system.img and a flexrom.img for ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1, reboot, and then flash the kernel from the post above before heading off to recovery and updating - HOWEVER as far as I know no one has tried this, though IN THEORY it should work).
Gingerbreak still works, you can get root back after updating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys, I did restore using the Chinese update.zip last week and I am currently sitting at kernel 2.6.36.3 with flashed system img=Acer_A500_1.104.05_COM_GEN1, but with recovered Chinese kernel modules for wifi etc. I also flashed a flexrom.img from this build as well. I didn't flash the boot.img from this build, but was thinking about it until huxflux2003 reported the check-sum failure.
So, I am trying to decide what I am going to do. It sounds easy enough to get back to stock now, but I may wait for the official update next month that has 3.1. At this point, I suppose we are assuming that it will be a full update.zip that will work on any tablet (god I hope so). It's about time they gave us a full recovery image...I will be beyond disappointed if they don't. Let's also just hope we can still gain root easily after this.
One more question, if I use all the images from ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 that were posted, does this have to match what I had originally had in any shape or form? It sounds like since all the pieces are from the same build, everything will be fine regardless of what you had to begin with. Is this right?
Thx

To your last question - Theoretically yes, it should work, and I guess you don't need to match what you originally had. I can only speculate, logically though it would makes sense. You definitely need all the images to be from the same build (system+flexrom+boot.img). You also need the official update for that build.

heyoh said:
Just so I'm clear...
I'm at version 1.139.05 but I got here via the Chinese update.zip.
What do I need to do to get back to stock? Do I need to go back to my old system image and flexrom plus a new kernel?
Could someone post clearer instructions?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get back to stock you need the three images for your build - system, flexrom, and boot. If there is no online update available, you also need the update.zip for that build (extracted from an official acer update using the XOR 12 method - do a search).
Alternatively, I suppose you could switch to a new build for which you could find all the necessary files (but it hasn't been tried).
Flash system.img using dd. You might need to re-root. Reboot, flash flexrom.img. Reboot once more. Make sure your wifi works (you might need different kernel modules).
Look to see if there is an online update (Settings > About > Check for updates). If there is, cancel it. Flash boot.img on mmcblk0p2. DO NOT REBOOT.
If there was an online update available, now it's the time to perform it. After it's done you will get you back to stock 1.139.05.
If there isn't any update, make sure you have the update.zip on the root of your microSD. Turn off the tablet, then turn it back on holding the volume key closest to the power button. Do not let go of that button until you see some text in the corner. At that moment the update would begin. Once rebooted you will be back to stock.
Hope I've explained it better this time, and it works ok for you. If not, you need to go through the chinese update again. Good luck.

adancau said:
To your last question - Theoretically yes, it should work, and I guess you don't need to match what you originally had. I can only speculate, logically though it would makes sense. You definitely need all the images to be from the same build (system+flexrom+boot.img). You also need the official update for that build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked for me too! Thanks again for the tip. I am now at the latest build and ahead of the US update schedule from what I can gather
It asked me to update after I flashed the ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 build system.img and flexrom.img. Even from the US it prompted just fine since I was on ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 build and not ACER_A500_1.104.05_COM_GEN1 as the former is what the differential patch targets.
I cancelled the update once I saw it presented and then blew on the boot.img from the ACER_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1 build. Then, without rebooting, I downloaded and applied the update (but with a little hiccup, see below). Now I am at Acer_A500_1.139.05_COM_GEN1 and didn't lose any user apps or settings etc.
Had a scary point though that I will share as it may help others. The first time I tried, the zip wouldn't downloadload and I was getting an HTTP 403 error. I cleared the systemupdater app and FWUpdateService data. I also killed the services and then I was stuck. Instead of conceding to reflashing the Chinese update.zip and starting over, I unzipped the Chinese update.zip and grabbed the boot.img from it. I then dd'ed that image back to the boot partition and rebooted again. It came back up and I this time I was able to do the system update successfully. Whew!

Followed instructions by OP and it worked perfectly! Back to stock and updated.
I think I'll be keeping these system images for next time I brick and have to flash the Chinese update.

Any chance of someone uploading the extracted update.zip for the new Acer_A500_1.139.05_COM_GEN1 so I can update manually using this method.
Thanks in advance

I used the above method to update to 1.139.04 from 1.016.04.
However my kernel is still 2.6.36.3-00001-gf991e5d instead of the 2.6.36.3 everyone else is reporting?

tianqi said:
I used the above method to update to 1.139.04 from 1.016.04.
However my kernel is still 2.6.36.3-00001-gf991e5d instead of the 2.6.36.3 everyone else is reporting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you directly flashed a 1.139.04 image your kernel has not been updated. You had to flash a 1.016.04 image, flexrom and boot, and then run the update.
You MIGHT have some luck regardless by running the update.zip now (I used it on mine one time when I updated like you did, and it seemed to work, but I have not noticed the kernel number). Be prepared to have to reflash if something goes wrong though.

I did reflash system, flexrom, and boot from 1.016.04...
Second time is still the same...
Kernel is still 2.6.36.3-00001-gf991e5d...

[Q]There is no update available

Hey guys, I really need some help here.
This morning there was a notification about system update, I bet it was the honeycomb 3.1 so I just let it run. However, it turned out that the update failed at last. Since then I can't get the system update notification anymore. I manually checked the update in settings and it showed that "There is no update available for your device currently." I have rebooted the unit several times and tried "Factory data reset" and got no change. I searched around the forum and found this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14345169
and tried the approach mentioned in it and it's still the same.
I even tried using the leaked update file to update the device and it still won't get updated.
Would you please help me look into this issue? Thanks a lot.

are you still on .9?
if so, just root the device, and install a 3.1 rom via clockwork.

xformulax said:
are you still on .9?
if so, just root the device, and install a 3.1 rom via clockwork.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have downgraded the firmware to .9. But the thing is, I have a mac and the root guide I found here seems require a windows system. And it really bothers me that something isn't working out of blue. So I'd really like to understand why this is happening. Thanks anyway, I will try to root it if I can't figure this out.

sirejulius said:
Yes, I have downgraded the firmware to .9. But the thing is, I have a mac and the root guide I found here seems require a windows system. And it really bothers me that something isn't working out of blue. So I'd really like to understand why this is happening. Thanks anyway, I will try to root it if I can't figure this out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/EeePAD/TF101/Update_Launcher_SOP_WW.pdf

I dug into the forum and found out a very helpful post about how to set adb work on your non-windows system. If somebody has the same problem, you maybe need to refer to this one.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=649663

[Q] OTA update for 8.6.5.9 showing error :(

Hello All
First post here.
I bought a refurbished TF101 with dock from the Netherlands a week ago and updated to WW 8.6.5.7 OTA right after setting the device up. Then rooted it and used the ad hoc guide by qwer23 (thank you!) from this tutorial (via adb) in order to tether my Nokia N9 with the Joiku wifi hotspot app...
I got the notification yesterday that I could update to 8.6.5.9 OTA but after it checks firmware integrity and reboots, it shows an icon of the android robot with an exclamation mark after it tries to install the installation file.
I did a hard reset to the whole device, and again, OTA notification saying i could update and still shows the same error message when i press on install and it shuts the device down.
possible to get some help regarding this situation? any advice?
cheers

I've got the same problem.
I rooted 3.1 to get AdHoc tethering.
I got the 3.2 ww 8.6.5.7-20110730 OTA update and it installed without losing root or the modified wpasupplicant.
I just got the 8.6.5.9. notification, tried to update and got the android ! warning.
Rebooted/restarted and back to 8.6.5.7. but now no update available.
Can somebody point us to a restoration thread please?
Thanks

so far as I am aware this update wont work on rooted devices so you will have to un root to get it. There are a number of posts stating this on here.

v8code said:
so far as I am aware this update wont work on rooted devices so you will have to un root to get it. There are a number of posts stating this on here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know that, I'm perfectly capable of un-rooting.
As I pointed out, the previous 3.2 update installed while rooted, and I remained rooted, so I didn't suspect that this one might not.
There are also posts stating that the update won't show again once it's been downloaded once and the install has failed.
It's not on the Asus firmware downloads page.
So, once I've un-rooted, is the update still stored on the machine or do we have to wait for or find a ww zipfile somewhere?

cozzykim said:
So, once I've un-rooted, is the update still stored on the machine or do we have to wait for or find a ww zipfile somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know - since I'm in your same situation - there's nothing left to do but:
- bring the device back to stock;
- wait for the update to become available on Asus site, because we will not get any other notification for 8.6.5.9.
Well, this seems merely a question of time and also, some geeky dude out there could dump 8.6.5.9 stock ROM for easy Nvflash flashing

If you've downloaded the update and your TF101 is asking you to check notifications but you no longer have a update notification then you'll need to clear the DMClient cache in order to reactivate the update.
Check this this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-1106054.html

juscoll said:
If you've downloaded the update and your TF101 is asking you to check notifications but you no longer have a update notification then you'll need to clear the DMClient cache in order to reactivate the update.
Check this this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-1106054.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not my case, unfortunately. I received the FOTA notification, made the update process start and then something's gone wrong (green android with an exclamation mark). Now no more update notification is shown; actually searching for an update manually from the tablet returns a message saying that no update is available for my device.

KaylordTheuZ said:
Not my case, unfortunately. I received the FOTA notification, made the update process start and then something's gone wrong (green android with an exclamation mark). Now no more update notification is shown; actually searching for an update manually from the tablet returns a message saying that no update is available for my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, I had already tried clearing the DMClient Data and Cache.
Somebody must have the downloaded WW file available in their cache, pretty please

i've unrooted my phone, did a full system reset and the update notification appeared. it was showing the android robot with the cogs working in its belly then again i got the exclamation error screen.
i looked at this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232810 where it says to check what the updater script checks for. have es explorer installed and it showed that the wpa supplicant and wpa supplicant.original is still in there. should i overwrite the wpa supplicant file with the original one? shouldn't this already happen when i do a full system reset?

aSIMULAtor said:
i've unrooted my phone, did a full system reset and the update notification appeared. it was showing the android robot with the cogs working in its belly then again i got the exclamation error screen.
i looked at this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232810 where it says to check what the updater script checks for. have es explorer installed and it showed that the wpa supplicant and wpa supplicant.original is still in there. should i overwrite the wpa supplicant file with the original one? shouldn't this already happen when i do a full system reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My answer is being based of your post and my assumptions.
I'm guessing that when you rooted, you changed other things after that were located in /system?
If so, then you didn't change it back when you unrooted.
All factory resetting does is make your tablet /look/ like it just came out the box. Users that aren't tech savvy do not modify /system files. So when they reset, it /looks/ like it's just out of the box.
In short, factory reset will clear your /data but it will not reset everything back to factory settings in /system.
You will need to re-root, replace the file with the original, then unroot again.
Just my thought process.

Hello
You are right
Yes it was the wpa supplicant file that i had replaced, i have the original (i think) which i copied over in the same directory...but, is there a way to download the original wpa supplicant file for 8.6.5.7 somewhere off the net just in case?
Going to try that now...
Also, just a question, if i download WW 8.6.5.7 from the ASUS website and install that would it completely overwrite and reset everything in /system?

aSIMULAtor said:
Hello
You are right
Yes it was the wpa supplicant file that i had replaced, i have the original (i think) which i copied over in the same directory...but, is there a way to download the original wpa supplicant file for 8.6.5.7 somewhere off the net just in case?
Going to try that now...
Also, just a question, if i download WW 8.6.5.7 from the ASUS website and install that would it completely overwrite and reset everything in /system?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1093778 has the original in the OP, just choose the 3.1 original.

aSIMULAtor said:
Hello
You are right
Yes it was the wpa supplicant file that i had replaced, i have the original (i think) which i copied over in the same directory...but, is there a way to download the original wpa supplicant file for 8.6.5.7 somewhere off the net just in case?
Going to try that now...
Also, just a question, if i download WW 8.6.5.7 from the ASUS website and install that would it completely overwrite and reset everything in /system?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could just copy the file into your external sdcard.
I believe you could do that. Apparently the new update doesn't require that fix anymore.
I believe that is correct.
I just look at them as a complete update.zip where everything is included in /system.

alex5790 said:
This thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1093778 has the original in the OP, just choose the 3.1 original.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done all this, exchanged the AdHoc wpa_supplicant for the original (which I kept on a removable microsd), unrooted, rebooted (though not factory reset) and manually searched for the update......nothing.
The wpa_supplicant was the only change I had made, to connect to my HD2 Wm6.5
So, I still need the update package, unless I really do need to hard reset?

cozzykim said:
I've done all this, exchanged the AdHoc wpa_supplicant for the original (which I kept on a removable microsd), unrooted, rebooted (though not factory reset) and manually searched for the update......nothing.
The wpa_supplicant was the only change I had made, to connect to my HD2 Wm6.5
So, I still need the update package, unless I really do need to hard reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I have seen during my research, it looks like you will need to flash the NVFlash, update to a offical firmware provided by Asus on their website, and THEN check if you can recieve the update.
I'm just hoping.

Thanks, that might be the way, I'll check it out

did the same thing as you...before my device notified me of the update, then it almost updated, but now i'm just not getting any notifications anymore.
will try what The Dark Lestat suggests and will report back when it's done.

aSIMULAtor said:
did the same thing as you...before my device notified me of the update, then it almost updated, but now i'm just not getting any notifications anymore.
will try what The Dark Lestat suggests and will report back when it's done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please help, I will not reveal more.
I tried to wipe data and hard reset, but nothing.

balls!!!!!
well, updating to the 3.6.5.7 via the zip file worked...but, still not receiving any notifications of 3.6.5.9 update AT ALL.
I guess, have to wait till someone uploads the WW 3.6.5.9 zip file and will try to install it that way...
(i hope someone does this! )

i've the same problem here. update failed, wiped everything, installed stock hc3.2 but no update available anymore.
It's possible that ASUS blacklists pad's with modified system files? how coul this be done? with gmail account? with wifi mac address? or this sounds too stupid to be true.

[Q] Taboonay 2.1 suddenly unable to connect to WiFi

I flashed Taboonay 2.1 to my Icona Tab A500 last night. Everything was great. I retrieved all my usual apps and previously purchased apps back down from the market, network was working fine. Turned on tab this morning and it is unable to connect to wifi. Keeps trying several times and then says the attempt has been disabled. It sees the Motorola Surfboard but can't connect. I thought I would try to re-flash since the .zip was still on my external SD. I attempted to boot into CWM but it won't come up. It just says loading image and never goes into CWM, that's it. So, I have no ability to connect by Wifi and am unable to download Acer Recovery Installer in order to re-install CWM. Apparently the CWM image is corrupt. The CWM ROM Manager Premium is still on my desktop but it can't do any sort of recovery because if I bring it up and choose "_install .zip from SDCard" it reboots into recovery mode and can't load the recovery image either. Does anyone have any ideas? Taboonay 2.1 is Android 3.2 it has the xda ad hoc wifi patch in it (which has never been quite right) in my opinion. So I found a copy of the 3.1 wpa_supplicant file and installed it into the /system/bin folder using root explorer to set the permission correctly after renaming the one installed by Taboonay to wpa_supplicant.old and re-enabled Wifi. Still it would not connect. The only difference I could see was that it no longer could see ad hoc wifi networks but still would not connect to my infrastructure wifi although it could see it. This particular wpa_supplicant file that I went back to came from Acer 3.1 stock ROM and worked perfectly under 3.1. I'm basically out of business at this point with no network and no way to flash a new ROM or restore a backup. Does anyone have any idea what to do next. Has anyone else had wifi issues with Taboonay 2.1? I did see an update 2.1b for Taboonay 2.1, but I can't get into CWM to apply it. I might as well be totally bricked. I can connect to the tablet and have full access to the 2 SD cards via Windows and a USB cable, but I can't download Acer's Installation Recovery from the market from a Windows browser. I'm sure its not the router because 3 Windows 7 SP2 Computers can connect to it and so can my wireless HP printer. Everything seems to be a Catch 22. Help! Anyone had trouble with Wifi on Taboonay? Does anyone have any ideas or how to get out of this situation? Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Hey gradyzero sorry to see the trouble buddy but the tabooney 2.1b update is made for wifi updates issues and SU perm, im currently running tabooney 2.1b and full with new market and i have no issues. As far as the recovery have you tried new THORS 1.5 cwm can you try using adb to push recovery.img to the tablet, or maybe using terminal emulator theres a new 1.5 cwm update you can try doing that. just extract recovery img to internal sd and go into thors website "google it" and follow every step except for #3
good luck buddy if not hit me up side PM ill see what i can do atleast to try to get recovery back

I don't think I had restored the terminal program back yet let me check. The apk is something I haven't tried. Thanks for the suggestion. I have thor's 1.5 update on my SD card but not quite sure what use it can be until I can get the ability to connect to boot up in recovery. I'll go to his web site and read the instructions there again, overlooking step 3. I have read them once before but didn't have this problem so I just grabbed the download and planned to update it after the Taboonay flash. Figured it would just have to be redone after the flash anyway. Thank for you idea. I should be able get an .apk onto the SD from Windows and should be able to install it. Again, thanks much buddy. I'll post back to this thread what the outcome is.

Restoration of boot image doesn't resolve the problem.
Okay Crashpsycho I download an Acer Install Recovery apk and CWM Launcher 1.0.0.0 apk. Both appeared to install correctly. Acer Install Recovery came up and I was able to choose to install CWM 1.3.4 image. However, when I reboot into recovery I still stop at "Booting recovery kernel image". So reinstalleing the CWM 1.3.4 image that the Acer Install Recovery show as an option didn't fix anything. Any ideas about why recovery might stop when loading the kernel image? When it says "the Kernel Image" is it talking about the base Linux kernel? I seem to recall reading somewhere that Taboonay replaced the Linux kernel with its own version. Is that true? I thought maybe the recovery image was corrupt but assuming the Acer Install Recovery really did reinstall the recovery CWM 1.3.4 image as it said, then something else is wrong. I did manage to get a terminal program installed so I'll try your second suggestion to force the CWM 1.5 image using adb. If Taboonay really did replace the stock Linux kernel, I have no idea how to recover from that. I'm not quit sure exactly where a recovery image goes and so I suspect that adb will ask for the destination. Maybe I'm wrong but do you know? Does adb know automatically where to install a recovery image? If the Linux kernel has to be replaced then I could get bricked if Tabtoonay won't boot up because a different Linux kernel is installed. What is your thinking about all of this? This is getting heavy. Thanks again for your help. Anyone else that has any fresh ideas is encouraged to jump in here and post to this thread. I'll post back here with the results once I try to force the CWM 1.5 image.

Installing other kernel solved issues for me, using thor kernel 3.5

installing 1.5 use terminal emu, extract the recovery.img from zip folder and place on root of sd go to thors website tegraowners and follow all steps except #3 and that will force 1.5 to tablet. have you tried installing stock recovery image using the acer recovery app

So Sector51 are you telling me you had the same issue. Where booting into recovery locked at loading kernel image? I'll try your suggestion. If it doesn't require you to be able to boot into recovery which I can't. Thanks for the tip.

Crashpsycho, I just completed the terminal method you suggested and followed all the instructions except #3 wihch was a mount, if I remember correctly. I extracted the image file from Thor's 1.5 put it on my external SD by copying it from Windows and then went through Thor's instructions step by step. Recovery boot still hangs at loading kernel image. Thor actually says to install itsmagic into /data/local directory both in his adb push and in his terminal emu methodology. There is no copy of itsmagic in his distribution and I can't find such a file on my tablet. BTW, I also tried the adb push from Windows but the recovery image is pushed to the SDCard so I assume he intents for me to then boot into recovery and to install it. So that's not going to work unless I have itsmagic. The Windows adb method also pushes itsmagic out to the /data/local folder but I can't complete that part and I think it is critical to both methods. Any idea where I get this file? Google search returns nothing except that one entry has been removed due to copyright issues. I think that it is the key to installing from the SDcard. I remember seeing that file on my rooted 3.1 but apparently Taboonay removed it. Can you enlighten me on itsmagic? What is it? Where do I get it? I have currently installed the Stock USA 1.31.06_COM_GEN1 recovery in Acer Recovery but reboot into recovery still hangs at loading kernel image.
This is another side issue but do you know if it would be possible to install the Taboonay 2.1b manually. Is it an update zip or a ROM flash? I'm beginning to think that if I could get back my Wifi back I would just forget the recovery reboot as a last resort. I'm going to investigate what is involved in the kernel update suggested by Sector51. But basically I'm not doing anything else until I can fully complete thor's 1.5 update. Man, I've spent 3 entire days trying to resolve this. I'm going bonkers. It certainly gives me a bad taste for Taboonay that probably isn't deserved because I don't see other post about this particular issue. So please educated me on itsmagic and we'll go from there. Thanks dude for all you help.

I found a copy of itsmagic here on xda. Downloaded it and completly went through the terminal emu process exactly as posted on Thoor's Website for 1.5. Everything seemed to work this time including the execution of itsmagic which spit out a nasty message to Acer something about Its Magic. Acer why did you say the bootloader is locked when it isn't? So this tells me that everything should now be good. I rebooted into recovery and this time it acted a bit different. It still said loading boot kernel but then in about 30 seconds rebooted back to Taboonay automatically. So I'm stumped. Does anyone have and new ideas? BTW, the 1.5 recovery image has a date of 29 Feb 2008. Is that right?

Finally suceeded with 1.5 Recovery, Thanks
This message is specifically addressed to Crashpsycho and Sector51. After four attempts I was finally successful at getting Thor's 1.5 recovery booted. I immediately backed up the current version of Taboonay 2.1 and then applied the 2.1b update. Everything in term of recovery is now good. One problem, the update did not fix the the WiFi problem as I am still unable to connect via WiFi. But that's a totally different issue, which I can deal with. Meantime thank to both of you for generously taking you time to help me resolve this recovery boot problem. I would still like to know what I did wrong during the original ROM flash to Taboonay 2.1 to destroy itsmagic. As well as what I did wrong in my first 4 attempts at repairing the recovery. However, I won't dwell on that as I need to proceed on with working on the WiFi issue. Thanks a million to both of you for all your help and suggestions. You are both what makes xda a truly wonderful and unique place for lovers of mobile devices. I am a programer and web developer and I hope I can contribute eventually to the growing Android mania. I personally think it will eventually dominate the table and phone market, if it already hasn't done so retail wise. I'll return to lurker stats for a while and learn more about the SDK while I try to resolve the WiFi issue. One side note, I recently flashed my HTC HD2 phone from Window mobile 6.5 to Widows mobile 7.5. That involved the flashing of 3 ROMs and then upgrading the OS. It runs beautifully and was much more complicated than what should have been a relatively simple task of upgrading to Taboonay 2.1. I'm sure I missed some small detail that caused the problem with the Icona Tab. You guys helped me greatly and I hope to be able to return the favor at some point. So I consider this issue closed and the moderator should feel free to consider it resolve. xda is power to the people.
Final Note: The adb push from Windows was the last attempt and was apparently the one that successfully fixed everything. As a certified Unix Engineer and somewhat of a Linux expert I opted to use the terminal emulator technique since I knew the commands and what they were doing, but typing in a long stream of commands is always more prone to user error. My advice to anyone else with this problem is to install the Windows Android SDK and use adb push to update as it appears the most recent version takes care of most all the permission issues and is almost fool proof. Again thanks to you guys. The Problem is resolved. Mister Moderator consider this thread closed and resolved.

great job man atleast you got the recovery to work. i cant say much for the wifi issue or what happen to recovery i would say if anything the issue must have came from the wifi ad hoc patch/change but im not fully technically skilled to say that it really was but great job hope you get it back up and going

I am enbrased to admit this but I feel it only fair since so many people attempted to help me. I've search around and apparenty no one has run into this here yet, but it needs to be posted for future reference. Most all of my boot recovery issues took place while the tablet was docked in the Acer A500 docking station. When I have trouble in recovery mode, with the image loading message just hanging up, 100% of the time removing the tablet from the docking station resoves the problem. Just thought I should pass this on. I know it is stupid that I didn't realize this before now. If you are docked, don't boot into recovery' not even with1.5 installed. I have no idea why this is true, but it is. If you have the Acer docking station DO NOT BOOT IN TO RECOVERY WHILE DOCKED!

Open up Rom Manager and click "Fix Permissions" let it do its thing then restart. That worked for me.

[Q]Won't update to Android 3.2.1 over FOTA / need original stock ROM

So first of all my tablet is brand new and not rooted and I don't want to root it.
When I got it I could update it instantly from 3.0.whateverwastheversionatthetime to android 3.2 (build 7.006.01_COM_GEN1) but it won't go from there to 3.2.1 which I hear is available for my location (France) The update tool tells me that my firmware is up to date.
I've tried a factory reset as advised by Acer customer care services but it wouldn't change. Also no matter what I do (empty cache etc.) the market won't update to Google Play Store and I think the two issues are related.
So I have two (or rather 3) questions:
1) Does anyone know a way around to force the update? (I doubt it's possible but hey "l'espoir fait vivre")
2) If not can I install a stock ROM without root and NOT compromise the warranty?
3) Where can I get such a ROM? I have searched here and here but 3.2.1 is not on the first thread and the links on the second thread are broken, plus I want to make sure that the ROM is the proper one for my region and that comes the ICS OTA update I will have no troubles doing the update.
Thanks in advance to those who will answer.

lunaticwraith said:
So I have two (or rather 3) questions:
1) Does anyone know a way around to force the update? (I doubt it's possible but hey "l'espoir fait vivre")
2) If not can I install a stock ROM without root and NOT compromise the warranty?
3) Where can I get such a ROM? I have searched here and here but 3.2.1 is not on the first thread and the links on the second thread are broken, plus I want to make sure that the ROM is the proper one for my region and that comes the ICS OTA update I will have no troubles doing the update.
Thanks in advance to those who will answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) No you cannot force an OTA
2) It depends - others have reported returning there acer with no probs -, i think someone has even returned it rooted and been ok. These things are fairly bulletproof, and really hard to 'brick'. As long as you can read, follow a few steps you shouldnt have any probs. The worse thing you can do is try 2 or 3 different methods all at once because something isnt working right. You're best to pick one and stick with it, if you have probs ask for help in the thread you got the rom from or start your own like you have here
3) The update.zip method from the first link you posted "should" work. Did you "decrypt" the file you downloaded before extracting the update.zip??
You could try timmyDeans v4 method- it will install a stock 3.2.1, it is rooted but you can remove root using the tools he provides. Beware though this will wipe all data so backup anything essential.
The update.zip method will leave your data and settings intact
As always the choice is yours, there are some really excellent custom roms out there - I enjoy the best of both worlds with a backup of my trusty stock 3.2.1, I flash to my hearts content knowing I can always go back to it when the OTA update is out!!! Oh the joys of root priveleges

Thanks for your input, I'll make sure to try all this when I get back from work. I've a few additional questions:
1) If I install a custom rom, will the OTA work from this ROM or, comes the OTA, will I have to restore my actual Stock rom and then proceed with the OTA?
2) I haven't tried the rom on the first link I gave because it is modified and I was searching for the original, pristine, untouched stock ROM for 3.2.1
I've seen such roms around here on xda for 3.2 but none for 3.2.1, if anyone stumbles upon one please let me know.
3) Since I'm still looking for a pristine ROM before trying anything else, I have a friend whose tablet (same brand and model) safely updated to 3.2.1, is there a way to make a rom from is gear? If yes, how to?
4) (related to 3) how can I backup my actual ROM, do I have to be a root user to do so?
THX again!

lunaticwraith said:
Thanks for your input, I'll make sure to try all this when I get back from work. I've a few additional questions:
1) If I install a custom rom, will the OTA work from this ROM or, comes the OTA, will I have to restore my actual Stock rom and then proceed with the OTA?
2) I haven't tried the rom on the first link I gave because it is modified and I was searching for the original, pristine, untouched stock ROM for 3.2.1
I've seen such roms around here on xda for 3.2 but none for 3.2.1, if anyone stumbles upon one please let me know.
3) Since I'm still looking for a pristine ROM before trying anything else, I have a friend whose tablet (same brand and model) safely updated to 3.2.1, is there a way to make a rom from is gear? If yes, how to?
4) (related to 3) how can I backup my actual ROM, do I have to be a root user to do so?
THX again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Typically, most people do not take OTA's when running a custom rom, as basically the OTA installs a totally fresh factory Rom. This is true with the 3.2.1 update, which contains a new bootloader. Usually, this means you lose root, and Recovery, then stuck with downgrading to get these things back.
Timmy Deans root tool supposedly maintains a back door method, which s supposed to protect root, in case of an OTA. No, I haven't used this method, as I run my own 501 roms.
2. Vache has a thread "full package and updates" in the 500 Dev forum. There are several factory Roms and Updates. You'll have to look. Chances are, he may not have the specific Com Gen version you want, but probably one close enough.
3. If your friend can get adb running, you can pull a "system dump", which will dump all files/folders in the system folder. The boot.img would be nice to get, but you can probably use the current one you have. Unfortunately, he already rebooted, so you probably can't get the original full update file. If he's rooted, you can use an app called Rom Factory, to get most of what you need. It's always a good time to become familiar with ADB.
4. Well, you can back it up internally, but it's sort of useless if you can't get into your OS You will need to Root, and install a custom recovery to keep your backup externally.

Moscow Desire said:
2. Vache has a thread "full package and updates" in the 500 Dev forum. There are several factory Roms and Updates. You'll have to look. Chances are, he may not have the specific Com Gen version you want, but probably one close enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, as Moscow has pointed out, in vaches thread not all roms are listed. My stock roms (1.016.01 and 1.139.04) for instance weren't - so I spent the last hour or two trying the "EUU gen1" listed at the bottom of the page. Well, it actually worked!! It gave me an OTA to 1.139.04 straight away. After that installed i got the 4.010.40 to 3.2 and then the next 2 for 3.2.1 - 7.006.03 and 7.014.15. So its given me the correct updates for my country AND kept my data and settings too.
SO, since you're on a Gen1 Rom this should work for you too, but still no gaurantee you will get the OTA to 3.2.1, no harm in trying though
btw timmydeans method is a gen2 rom so you can rule that out...
---------- Post added at 11:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 PM ----------
just came across this link for an update to stock 3.2.1 build 7.014.14 here - orignal thread here but you need cwm to install it....
unless you can make it into an update.zip???
but thats way outta my league,
moscow may be able to suggest something though

Thank you very much, your answers help a lot! Just a few precisions and I'll stop being a pain in the ass!
1. Typically, most people do not take OTA's when running a custom rom, as basically the OTA installs a totally fresh factory Rom. This is true with the 3.2.1 update, which contains a new bootloader. Usually, this means you lose root, and Recovery, then stuck with downgrading to get these things back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
==> @ Moscow, when you say "lose recovery" does it mean I lose the green thingy with gears when I start with volume down and power pressed/ and when I reset to factory settings?
==> @dibb_nz your method is the closest to what I'm looking for, I also hope it will give me the correct updates for my country and since Vache is a fellow countryman it might just be ok.
Anyways thanks again, I'll give a thorough look to all of your solutions and try and do a few things tomorrow afternoon. I'll keep you posted in case this thread interests anyone else.

lunaticwraith said:
==> @ Moscow, when you say "lose recovery" does it mean I lose the green thingy with gears when I start with volume down and power pressed/ and when I reset to factory settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, what I meant to say, is when you run a rooted "custom" Rom, and use a "custom" recovery such as RA Recovery or CWM, getting an OTA update, usually wipes that out, and installs the factory bootloader. Your factory recovery....cough cough.... will still be there.
If you are only concerned about stock factory, then don't worry about it. You;re ok. Your factory/stock recovery will be just fine
The reason we root and install custom recoveries, is so we can do 3 primary things.
1. Flash a custom rom
2. Create a complete system backup to our external SD card.
3. Get rid of pre-installed useless apps.
There are other things we can do with it, but these are the primary reasons.
When you have a default factory stock system, the only protection you have, is a factory reset (hope it works), and a couple other methods which require a touch more knowledge.
Anyhow, don't worry about your factory recovery. It's just fine.

1) Just for the sake of knowledge what's the difference between GEN_1 and GEN_2? (and GEN3 and CUS7 and EMEA_TMLP)?
2) @Dibb_nz when you tried with the stock rom from Vache, was it because you encountered the same no FOTA update problem as I did? Or just to try...?
3) Something's still unclear to me after browsing through the forums: If I get an unmodified stock ROM can I flash it with the stock recovery? (so without rooting) Or do I need CWM (so root is needed)
4) What's EUU? (on Vache's thread some roms are listed as EUU)

lunaticwraith said:
1) Just for the sake of knowledge what's the difference between GEN_1 and GEN_2? (and GEN3 and CUS7 and EMEA_TMLP)?
2) @Dibb_nz when you tried with the stock rom from Vache, was it because you encountered the same no FOTA update problem as I did? Or just to try...?
3) Something's still unclear to me after browsing through the forums: If I get an unmodified stock ROM can I flash it with the stock recovery? (so without rooting) Or do I need CWM (so root is needed)
4) What's EUU? (on Vache's thread some roms are listed as EUU)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The Gen's usually signify regional based roms. More specifically language support, sometimes a wifi tweak, and maybe a couple other things. Mostly though, ComGen1's are for the US and probably canada, and offer about 12 different languages. TMPL is for East Europe mostly, with polish as the default language. All roms contain the english language as far as I know.
3. You basically can't install a full rom on an unrooted tablet without CWM or RA Recovery. You will have to run the update (decrypt the file, remove the update.zip)
4. EUU is a pc based install. Plug in the USB, set your tab to APX mode and run the EUU.
If you did the root, and install a custom recovery, then you could run just about all the full roms. Your custom recovery would be overwritten, and you would lose root access. You would have a stock tablet with the version rom you selected.
You can always wait a week or so. Am sure if the update has been pushed to your country, it's just a matter of time till you get it. It's common for the update process for specific roms, to get fully done in 2-3 weeks. It took well over a week just for users in california to mostly start getting updates.

Well the official release date for the ICS FOTA in France is May 3rd, so I'll wait until then but having other options and the know-how to take actions is always a good basis. (plus I'm really not the patient type ^^)
Stupid question but I'm guessing EUU needs root too?
and also APX means rebooting while holding power and volume - right?

lunaticwraith said:
Well the official release date for the ICS FOTA in France is May 3rd, so I'll wait until then but having other options and the know-how to take actions is always a good basis. (plus I'm really not the patient type ^^)
Stupid question but I'm guessing EUU needs root too?
and also APX means rebooting while holding power and volume - right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the EUU just to see if it would keep me on my regions OTA upgrade path.
Sometimes you can have probs OTA'ing if you aren't using the rom from your region.
But in this case it gave me the correct OTA's.
APX is Acer Download mode, where the OTA upgrades are flashed - this EUU will do it via your PC. Button push method (power/reset button) not required.
No, the EUU does not need root which is why I tried it out for you
You will need to be on 3.2.1 before you will receive the ICS update
I used this EUU from vaches thread -
EUUs_SBK_Acer_A500_1.016.05_COM_GEN1
late for work will check back later

That's really helpful thanks I'm downloading the same EUU you used and will try it today or tomorrow depending on how much time I have, will keep you posted!

Ok so I did the EUU install and it worked fine, the tablet then allowed me to upgrade to 3.01 and then 3.1 then 3.2 via FOTA without any problem. But once I reached 3.2, the update tool informs me that there's no update available and my gear is up to date
So my guess is Acer France are not pushing the 3.2.1 FOTA update anymore...
Any other explanation?

lunaticwraith said:
Ok so I did the EUU install and it worked fine, the tablet then allowed me to upgrade to 3.01 and then 3.1 then 3.2 via FOTA without any problem. But once I reached 3.2, the update tool informs me that there's no update available and my gear is up to date
So my guess is Acer France are not pushing the 3.2.1 FOTA update anymore...
Any other explanation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear u got thru the EUU process OK, not so great u still can't ota to 3.2.1
Others have reported similar issues not sure if/how they were ever resolved. As moscow posted earlier,ota,s are not made available to all users in all regions, all at once, so it may be just a matter of waiting for the next "push cycle" to roll round.
At least you know you can always get back to stock if you ever decide to root and go custom There no direct root method for 3.2, just use that same euu to get back to 3.1 and use iconia root and Acer recovery installer from the market and you're ready to flash your rom of choice
Pls post back if u do get the ota - best of luck
rgds Donna

Yeah I was just browsing the XDA forums, contemplating the idea to rollback and root and then installing this
I wonder if it's worth waiting for the OTA... as for what you said about waiting for the next "push cycle" I've been waiting since I got the tablet and the update hasn't come yet, which is strange because the ICS update is due on May 3rd in France and I'd guess they'd have everyone up to date and ready for the update by now!
Rooting seems pretty straightforward and much easier than what it was on my Samsung Galaxy Spica: I found this
, a file called iconiaroot.apk on the sdcard aswell, rebooting your tablet while pushing the volume down button so its starts flashing the buggy honeycomb version.
Then start up the tablet again, rush to the market, download some file manager, with that filemanager explore your sdcard, and install the iconiaroot.apk file, once thats done, rush back to the market and download and install acer recovery installer. At that point you will have CWM (clockworkmod) installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is that all there is to it?
In any case I'll keep you posted just so it can help anyone with the same issue!

alsoe FYI and just for the anecdote: the reason I'm so cautious about everything and scared ****less of rooting is that the tablet is a present from my girlfriend for my 30th birthday, and she'll hang me with my guts if I brick it.

Ok I rooted and flashed the above-mentioned rom and it works! I'm now under 3.2.1!
Thanks to everyone who helped me! When the ICS update comes I will post here to signal how the FOTA went.
Thanks again!

Lol, good onya for taking the plunge! Yeh acer recovery installer is brilliant, along with iconia root, makes the whole process stress free.
Will be interesting to see if you get a notification for ICS OTA with that rom.
Can always flash one of the leaks if u get impatient??
Glad everything's worked out and yr g/f still talking 2 u
rgds Donna

thx! I will post here when/if I get the OTA. and my love life is safe thanksnto iconia root

okay so the ota has been rolling for over a week and a half now and still nothing for me